Building construction



Jan. 25, 1944. w, c. GROENIGER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 27,. 1939 INVENTOR I :6 H1 RNEY Jan. 25, 1944. w. GROENIGER 2,339,778

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 27, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Wi Sam C.Groe gar ,5 Y Ht ORNEY Jam 1944- w. c. GROENIGER 2,339,778

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 2'7, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INV TOR I cum C. Groemser 1944' w. c. GROENIGER 2,339,778

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed 001;. 27, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 R William CGro eni HIS RNEY Patented Jan. 25, 1944 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION William C. Groeniger, Columbus, Ohio, assignor to John B. Pierce Foundation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application October 27, 1939, Serial No. 301,578

3 Claims.

The present invention is directed to an improved method of installing plumbing fixtures and correlated soil and vent piping.

A principal objective of the present invention is an improved method of building construction wherein a central pipe stack embodied within casing means disposed wholly internally of a bathroom or the like, ailords optimum possibilities of arrangements of plumbing fixtures and improved facilities for the installation, repair, and servicing of the same.

The invention has as a further objective the disposition of a group of plumbing fixtures at dially extending waste branches. Preferably, the I waste branches are individual for the respective plumbing fixtures and related to the vent piping to provide independent venting of the respective plumbing fixtures.

In the more preferred forms of the invention,

the water supply lines, serving the respective plumbing fixtures, usually per the instrumentality of suitable individual control valves, are

disposed to extend vertically and in close proximity to the stated soil and vent piping, with suitable branch piping extending from the water supply lines.

In the most preferred forms of the invention the soil and vent piping and the water supply lines are enclosed by a suitable casing, serving inter alia to conceal the same; the branch piping extending from the water lines projects through openings provided in the casing, to afiord ready connection by suitable extra-casing piping with the valve-provided inlet ports of the respective plumbing fixtures.

By the invention. the plumbing fixtures on any common floor level may be separated individually or as sub-groups by partition or partitions forming permanent or transient part of the building structure. Whenever desired, the mutual positions of the individual plumbing fixtures maybe interchanged by mere change of connection ofthe 55 and/or laundrytub. Such plumbing fixtures, or.

discharge ports with the waste branches involved and corresponding change of connection of the inlet ports with the branch piping of the water supply line or lines.

Further features and objects of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detail description and the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of one type of embodiment of the invention, applicable in a one-story and other building for the installation of a lavatory, a bath tub, a toilet bowl, 9. kitchen sink (and/or laundry tub) or equivalent on a common floor level. j Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a varia tion of the type of the invention shown in Fig. l, utilizing a like number of plumbing fixtures on a common floor level,-.but illustrating another arrangement of grouping of the-plumbing fixtures. Figs. 3 and 4 are. vertical sectionalviews taken at right angles relative to one another, illustrating another type of the invention, as applied to a like number of plumbing fixtures on a common floor level, similarly as in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view on lines 5-5 of Fig. 3.

Figs. 6, 1 and 8 are respectively a diagrammatic plan 'view, and diagrammatic vertical elevational views taken in planes at right angles to one another, of a preferred type of embodiment of the invention, applicable to two-story, and other multiq-story building structures; this type. fol- .lows in principle that of Figs. 1, 2 and 3; the

plumbing fixtures illustrated are a lavatory, bath tub, toilet bowl and kitchen sink (and/or laundrytub).

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are respectively a diagrammatic plan view and diagrammatic vertical elevations taken on planes at right angles to one another of a preferred type of embodiment of the invention, applicable to two-story and at intermediate floor levels of other multi-story building structures; the type here illustrated follows the principle of that of Figs. 3, 4 and 5; the plumbing fixtures shown correspond to those appearing as illustrations of optional relative positions of installation, shown in the previous figures. Y

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional elevation on line l2--l2 of Fig. 10. This embodiment illustrates my method as applied to installations on multiple floorlevels.

Referring to the type of embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, III indicates a bath tub, H a lavatory, I2 -a water closet, and IS a kitchen sink other group of selected plumbing fixtures as desired or required, are located at radially related positions about a common center at-which location the soil and vent stack piping I4 is disposed. Such soil and vent stack extends substantially vertically and on any given floor level extends from floor level to ceiling level. In Fig. 1, the selection of relative positions of the stated plumbing fixtures is that given above, reading in clockwise direction about ther centrally located piping I4. The mutually related positions of these fixtures pursuant to Fig. 2 are bath tub Ill, kitchen sink and/or laundry tub I3, water closet I2 and lavatory II. Other variations ofrelative radial locations of the plumbing fixtures may be selected as preferred or required.

The water supply lines are indicatedat II, It, one of which may be cold water and the other hot water, as preferred. Such water supply lines II, It are disposed in close proximtiy relative to the soil and vent piping I 4. Branch supply piping are indicated at "in, [6a which afiord suitable connection, usually through the instrumentality of suitable control valves, with the inletports of the respective fixtures.

Branch waste piping suitably connected at their inward ends with the soil and vent piping I4 extend radially relative thereto and are suitably connected at their outward ends with the respective discharge ports of the selected plumbing fixtures. Thus in Fig. 1, the discharge port Illa oi the bath tub I is shown connected with the branch waste pipe II, the discharge port Ila of the lavatory II connected to the branch waste pipe I8, the discharge ports I2a of the water closet I2 with the branch piping I9 and the discharge port or ports |3a of the sink and/or laundry tub I3 with the branch waste piping 20. In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 2, the discharge port la 01 the bath tub I0 is shown connected with the branch waste piping I9, the discharge ports I3a connected with-the branch waste piping 20, the discharge port I2a of the water closet I2 with the branch waste piping I I, and

the discharge port Ila of the lavatory with 45 the branch waste piping I8.

Preferably, such soil and vent piping I4 and the therewith connected branch waste piping in whole or in part are enclosed in a suitable casingsuch as illustrated at 2| by dot-and-dash outline, for the purposes of concealing the same,

v affording a common location of the stated parts in simplification of inspection, repair and possible replacement, etc.

Preferably, the water supply line or lines I5, I5, are also enclosed in such casing 2| for attainment of like or other advantages.

The waste branch piping I-l, III, I9, 20, etc.,and the branch water supply pipes I5a, I6a, etc., may extend through suitable openings provided in the corresponding parts of the casing 2|. The casing 2|, as appears from a comparison of Fig. 1 with Fig. 2, may assume variant wall formation dependent upon the selection of the positions of the respective plumbing fixtures, the wall formation of the casing being preferably of individual panels extending from floor level to'ceiling level to aflord flexibility in erection. By such or equivalent arrangement of wall formation of the easing 2|, interchangeability of the relative positions of the plumbing fixtures available in the original installation or subsequent thereto to effect substitution of fixture or desired variation of relative position, is readily aflorded, and also the required change 0! connection of the discharge port or ports of the aflected plumbing fixtures with the branch waste piping and corresponding change of connection of the water line or lines I5, I 8, with the inlet port or ports of the affected plumbing fixtures.

The invention aflords, further, optional partitioning-in floor space, as may be desired with respect to the plumbing fixtures individually or 4 sub-groups, as appears from Figs. 1 and 2. Thus, Fig. 1 illustrates the bath tub III partitioned individually in a space defined by the three partitions designated 22, 23, 24, and a fourth partition 25, which last named is indicated as a partition separating the bath tub "I, lavatory II and water closet I2 as a group from the spacedesignated 26, which space 26 may desirablyserve as a kitchen, butler's pantry or the like in the building structure. The partition 24 is indicated as including a door opening 24a.

Fig. 1 indicates also the lavatory II and water closet I2 partitioned within a common space atforded by the partition 22, and the partitions 21; 23, and a door 29. In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 2, the stated or other suitable partitions 22, 2 3, 24, 25, 21, and 28- may assume optionally varied relative positions.

The soil and vent stack I4 and therewith coordinated radially extending branch waste piping I'I, I8, I3, 20, illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, are particularly applicable to a one-story building structure. The mechanical assembly of the component parts illustrated in variant forms in Figs.

. 1 and 2 are set forth and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 301,574, filed concurrently herewith.

Referring now to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the type of embodiment of the invention is applicable also to a one-story or other building structure, the mechanical assembly of the component parts thereof being set forth and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 301,576, filed concurrently herewith.

Like parts indicated in the embodiment'illustrated in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, as compared with the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, are designated by like reference numbers. The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, is characterized by the provision of individual venting for the respective branch waste piping relative to the soil and vent stack I4.

As one manner of attaining individual venting, the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 comprises a correlated piping assembly including piping individually connected with the respective branch waste pipes and communicating with the upper and lower zones of the soil and vent stack. I

Specifically, the branch waste piping I! has its discharge end connected to the branch channel 30a of the fitting 30, the main channel of which communicates lowerly with a building drain or building sewer 3|, as through a Y-fitting 32 and interconnecting piping 33. The main channel of the fitting 30. communicates upwardly through the vertical vent piping 34 and upper fitting 35 with the upper zone of the soil and vent stack I4. Intermediate the ends of the branch channel 30a is shown provided a vertical vent piping 38 communicating at its upper end through the branch channel 35a with the upper zone of the soil and vent stack 4, thereby affording, with the stated instrumentalities individual venting for the branch waste piping I1, shown in Fig. 3 as serving for the discharge of the bath tub I0.

Similar y. the branch waste piping Isis connected at its discharge end with the branch channel 30b of the lower fitting 30, and the lower end of the vertical vent piping 31 connected with the branch channel 30b of the lower fitting 30 and its upper end through the branch channel 35b with the upper fitting 35 affords independent venting for the branch waste piping l9, shown in Fig. 3, as serving for the discharge of the water closet l2.

Further similarly, individual venting is provided for the branch waste piping l9, shown in Fig. 4 serving for the discharge of the lavatory II, is afforded individual venting through the branch channel 341; of the vertical vent pipe 34, connected as above set forth in soil discharge and venting relationship with the main soil and vent stack piping l4. In a similar manner the branch waste piping 20, shown in Fig. 4 as serving for the discharge of the kitchen sink and/or laundry tub I3, is afforded independent venting 'by connection with the branch channel 34b of the vertical vent piping 34, connected and functioning as aforesaid.

The type of embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 follows the general principle of the type illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, but applicable to floor levels intermediate lowermost and uppermost fioors. The mechanical assembly and the component parts illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, are set forth and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 301,575, filed concurrently here with, which matured into Patent No. 2,270,873, dated January 27, 1942. p

The plumbing fixtures indicated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 correspond to those illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, it being understood that the order of orientation of the individual plumbing fixtures is optional, pursuant to the generic principle of the present invention.

In the specific arrangement shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, there is coordinated with the main soil and vent stack l4, an auxiliary, vertically extending, vent stack 40 connected similarly as aforesaid with a lower portion, with the main soil and vent stack l4, and likewise connected similarly as aforesaid at an upper portion, with an A upper portion of the main soil and vent stack l4.

Intermediate connection of the auxiliary vent stack 40 with the main stack is afiorded through the fitting 4|, communicating through a branch channel with the vertical pipe 42, in turn connected through an intermediate fitting 43 and a lowerly fitting 44 and thence through a lowermost fitting 4| with the part of the main soil and vent stack l4 disposed below the floor level, indicated at 38. In the instant type the branch waste piping l1 discharges and is vented through the lowerly fitting 44, which may, and preferably, extends through the flooring indicated at the floor level 38. Discharge and venting is also afiorded the branch waste piping l9- similarly The plumbing fixtures indicated in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12, correspond to those illustrated in Figs.

3, 4 and 5, it being understood that the order of through the lowerly fitting 44. Discharge and venting for the branch waste piping I8 is atforded through the intermediate fitting 43, and likewise for the branch waste piping 20.

The type of embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12 follows the general principle of the type illustrated in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, but applicable to floor levels intermediate the lowermost and uppermost floors. The mechanical assembly and the component parts illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12, are set forth and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 301,577, filed concurrently herewith, which matured into Patout No. 2,248,075, dated July 8, 1941.

orientation of the individual plumbing fixtures is optional, pursuant to the generic principle of the present invention.

Pursuant to the type of embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, 11, and 12, individual venting is provided for the respective branch waste piping serving the individual selected plumbing fixtures, such as the indicated bath tub l0, lavatory ll, water closet l2, and kitchen sink and/or laundry tub l3.

Component parts of the embodiment shown in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12 corresponding to those comprised in the embodiment illustrated in Figs.

3, 4 and 5 are designated by like reference characters. The component parts comprised in the embodiment shown in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12 corresponding generally to the parts comprised in the embodiment illustrated inFigs. 6, 7 and 8, are designated by like reference characters. Thus, the branch waste piping I1 is provided with individual venting by intermediationof vertical vent pipe 36, the latter connected in assembly and functioning similarly as in Figs. 3 and 4; the branch waste piping I9 is afforded individual venting similarly bythe intermediation of the vertical vent pipe 31, the branch waste piping l8 by the intermediation of the intermediate fitting 43 and verticalpipe 44 and upper fitting 35, and individual venting effected by the last named parts, as components of the general assembly, similarly for the branch waste piping 20.

Water closets of the type set forth and claimed in my U. s. Letters Patent Nos. 2,066,881 and 2,066,882, both granted on January 5, 1937, and in subsequently granted patents, are particularly applicable in connection with the instant invention, in that the discharge of the same through the selected branch waste piping is disposed above the fioor level.

The, present invention afi'ords also the assembly asp. unit of the casing and therein enclosed soil and vent .piping, water distribution lines and the like, suitably supported in the casing. Such unitary assembly may be completed prior to installation for delivery on the job, thus aifording allyearqround work for labor, facility of installation, certainty of proper assembly of individual parts, certainty of leak-proofness of joints, and other advantages.

As appears from the above, the'invention affords the installation of a plumbing system, including selective positioning relative to one another of the desired individual plumbing fixtures, within a building structure, the main soil and vent piping and therewith associated water lines and the like being disposed spaced from the walls of the building structure. By the provision of the casing, all soil and vent stacks, and all water distribution piping and therewith connected parts, piping for the conveyance of gases, air conditionin etc., are concealed from view, while at the same time optimum access is afiorded to such' I claim: 1. In a building, the combination with casing means arranged wholly within the confines of a room, of a pipe stack organization supported cenbranch waste pipes being disposed wholly above the fioor level of such building and arranged in cruciform pattern with respect to said main waste stack to accommodate plumbing fixtures disposed at all four sides of said casing, said branch waste pipes having inlet openings disposed at all four walls of said casing means, and plumbing fixtures having waste discharge means individually connected to said branch waste pipe openings and arranged about said casing as a nucleus according to a predetermined grouping.

2. In a building, the combination with casing means arranged wholly within the confines of a room and having one wall serving in common as a partition between adjacent rooms, of a pipe organization disposed centrally within said casing and including a main waste stack serving as means for conducting waste to a sewer or the like, a plurality of branch waste pipes arranged within said casing in cruciform pattern about said main waste stack, each branch waste pipe being adapted to serve a plumbing fixture on a fioor of such building, said branch waste pipes being arranged wholly above the floor of the room and having inlet openings disposed at all four walls of said casing means, and plumbing fixtures having waste discharge means individually connected to said branch waste pipes and disposed at predetermined locations about said casing means, said plumbing fixtures including a fixture disposed in said adjacent room and mounted in contiguity with the casing wall serving as the common partition between said adjacent rooms.

3. In a building, the combination with casing means arranged wholly within the confines of a room and having one wall serving in common as a partition between adjacent rooms, of a pipe organization disposed substantially centrally within said casing and including a main waste stack serving as means for conducting waste to a sewer or the like and a plurality of branch waste pip arranged within said casing in cruciform pattern about said main waste stack, each branch waste pipe being adapted to serve a plumbing fixture on a floor of such building, said branch waste pipes being arranged wholly above the floor of the room and having inlet openings disposed at all four walls of said casing means, plumbing fixtures having waste discharge means individually connected to said branch waste pipes and disposed at predetermined locations over a 360 angle about said casing means, said plumbing fixtures including a fixture disposed in said adjacent room and mounted in contiguity with the casing wall serving as the common partition between said adjacent rooms, and water servicepiping arranged wholly within said casing to supply said plumbing fixtures with the water requirements thereof.

-WILLIAM C. GROENIGER. 

